Every winter my skin struggles with the different changes in temperature, central heating and the cold winds wreak havoc on my skin’s moisture balance. I try to keep it as hydrated as possible and because having great skin is one of my top priorities i try lots of different things to get the best skincare products in my opinion that do work!

If your getting married in summer this year you should start pampering your skin now. Bridal make up lasts longer on hydrated and nourished skins. When your skin is too dry and flaky make up will just soak straight into it.

Brides to Be should treat their skin to a monthly masque and a daily hydrating skin treatment during the winter months.

I’m usually skeptical about anything that says it reduces the signs of ageing but I have to say that i was really impressed with this little gadget. Not only is it easy to use but you can carry on with your usual daily life while wearing it. I’m sure that wearing it walking down the street might attract a few glances though.

I wouldn’t say that I have wrinkles as such but I did notice one frown line appearing on my forehead in the last few months so trialing this Wrinkle MD Brow System couldn’t have come at a better time. The whole kit comes in a box and inside the box is everything you need for the 2 week treatment programme.

Follow with Youth Serum HA™ to extend results. Use twice a week for the first week, then once a week for continued results.

RRP £189.00

After I’d used all 5 of the patches in the pack i have continued to use the Youth serum twice a week and I can hardly see that there was a line there now. I have also had lots of comments about how great my skin looks because i use it all over my face and not just on the wrinkle. I will continue to use this product because I love it!

They also have a system for the eye area. I have yet to try this but I’m sure it too will have amazing results.

RRP £189.00

It’s definitely worth the money. For more information and to purchase the kit visit here

I’ve been trying this new body oil by Arabelle Skin Sense over the last couple of weeks and i love it. Not only is my skin super soft but it smells fresh and invigorating too. The fragrance is fresh and light as well so it’s not over powering like some body oils. the main scent is the sweet orange essential oil. The normal retail price for this is £18.50 for 200ml.

They do a whole range of products so check out the website to see them all.

Reader OfferArabelle Skin Sense has been kind enough to set-up a reader offer code – for 25% off. To get the discount enter the code bbeauty25 at checkout. This offer is valid until 30th November 2013 so hurry to get your now!

Joyce xx

With my holiday pending and baggage allowances getting less and less the last thing I want is to have to take massive sized bottles. So here’s my Top 5 travel sized products to take away on holiday with you.

Dermalogica Skincare Kit – 10/10

I totally love Dermalogica it’s always going to be top of my list. This box lasts for 30 days!

This Dermalogica Skin Kit contains a full regimen of what your skin needs most. If you’re a first-time Dermalogica user, then prepare yourself for great skin. And, if you’re already hooked, these convenient travel sizes will bring professional skin care wherever you’re going today. Use as directed by your Dermalogica Professional Skin Therapist. 10/10 www.buy.dermalogica.co.uk

Nurture Mini Travel Collection – 9/10

Loved this range. My skin felt smooth and nourished. Wish there were more wipes in the pack!

nurture skincare offers a selection of great summer essentials packed with natural plant extracts such as edelweiss to help protect against free radical damage and suitable for even the most sensitive skin to make holiday packing simple and hassle-free. www.nurtureskincare.co.uk

Eau Thermale Avène Spring Water Spray – 10/10

I never go anywhere without this in my handbag. I use it on everyone before I apply their make up too! It hydrates the skin in seconds and feels so refreshing.

Keep refreshed in-flight with this cooling and soothing travel-size water spray. The softening and protective properties of the unique Avène Thermal Spring Water calms complexions and the low mineral content in the water, as well as its pH 7.5 (almost neutral) balance, will not sting, burn or dry out skin. What’s more it’s perfect for toning and refreshing flustered faces and cooling legs and body. www.boots.com

Soap and glory Clean Getaway – 9/10

Smells delicious and a great way to have a bit of girly pampering while you’re away! They should add a body scrub too.

Botox or Dermal Fillers? What should you choose? – Guest Post from Dr Michel Lauzel

How the ageing process affects our skin

As we age skin loses its smoothness, fullness and elasticity which leads to the appearance of lines, wrinkles or folds. The natural ageing process results in a:

– Loss of volume (fat)

– Loss of hyaluronic acid

– Loss of hydration

– Loss of collagen

– Laxity of muscles

The effects of the ageing process on the skin are increased by a number of environmental factors such as the sun (UV damage), gravity, smoking, alcohol, poor diet and hydration and sun beds.

Modern society is less accepting of signs of ageing – particularly the face we present to the world.

Due to a culture of youth, in the media and in the workplace, there is increasing pressure on women in particular to look younger for longer. Are there things we can do to improve the signs of ageing and hold back time?

What are the treatment options?

Amongst the different rejuvenation treatments available to counter the ageing process, cosmetic creams mostly don’t live up to their promises mainly because they can’t penetrate far enough to reach the deeper levels of the skin. And for most people surgery seems like a step too far.

There is however an effective middle route with anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers. These treatments are injected directly into the skin and offer the best option to restore a firmer, toned, healthy looking skin and smooth out lines and wrinkles.

Anti-wrinkle injections

Better known as ‘Botox’ these injections temporarily block the contraction of the muscles below the skin and by relaxing these muscles they effectively iron out and soften the lines and wrinkles caused by smiling, frowning and other facial expressions.

Anti-wrinkle injections are mainly used in the upper face to treat three areas where expression lines appear and typically provide a fresher look:

1. Crow’s feet

2. Frown lines

3. Horizontal forehead lines

They can also be used to treat other lines and wrinkles including bunny lines, smoker’s lines and to create a brow lift.

These injections have been used safely for medical treatments for over forty years, and can also be used to treat excessive underarm sweating. The treatment is relatively painless and the effect typically lasts between 3 to 6 months.

Dermal fillers

Dermal fillers consist of a smooth gel which is injected to replace the loss of volume in the face resulting from the ageing process and they lift the skin, improving the wrinkles and sagging.

The latest generation of fillers (such as Restylane or Juvederm) contain Hyaluronic acid, a natural substance present in the skin which bonds with water molecules to increase deep hydration and add to the plumpness.

Revitalising and improving skin elasticity, hydration and smoothness for the face, hands and decolletage area.

These hyaluronic based fillers have proven to be very safe, based on the experience of millions of patients treated worldwide. Generally the effect lasts between six and nine months.

Working closely with your practitioner, treatments can be used to create a natural, more youthful look. The aim is to look better not ‘done’ and retain your own facial expressions and personality. We can’t avoid ageing but we can soften its effects and the face we present to the world.

What should you expect during the treatment itself?

1. Make you sure you have a detailed discussion with your practitioner and you are clear about the effects you can expect from your treatment. A visual examination of your face, its movement and lines should be conducted by the practitioner and prescriber of the botulinum toxin.

2. Make sure your medical history is discussed in full, and that you have no underlying conditions which could make you unsuitable for treatment. You may find that your practitioner will always ask you to sign a consent form and take photos before (and after) treatments. This is completely normal.

3. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and remember it is a medical consultation and don’t feel pressured into having the treatment if you’re not sure about it.

4. No topical anaesthetic will be used for anti-wrinkle injections such as botox, although sometimes you may be given an icepack to place on the area prior to treatment. The area to be injected will be wiped with antiseptic and then using micro needles, tiny amounts of the botulinum toxin, will be injected into several points in the areas to be treated. For most people this is entirely painless and just feels like a ‘pinprick’.

5. Dermal fillers requite a topical anaesthetic, which is normally applied to the area to be treated 15 to 20 minutes beforehand. To make the patient experience even more comfortable, some fillers also have anaesthetic mixed with the filler inside the syringe.

6. Less is often more, and a good practitioner would prefer to see how you react to the treatment on your first visit, and offer a follow-up visit two weeks later with a ‘top-up’ if necessary.

7. Repeat treatments are normally needed around every 3 – 6 months to maintain the effects of the treatment.

8. The treatment and consultation usually takes no longer than 30 minutes and you are usually able to drive immediately afterwards and carry on with your day. It is not recommended that you lie down within 4 hours of the treatment, or embark in strenuous exercise on the day of treatment.

9. Following your anti-wrinkle injections (botox) you will not see any change for 2-4 days, with the treatment taking full effect between 7-14 days . The results last on average for 4 months. With fillers, the results are immediate, although it is advisable for the initial swelling at the injection site to go down to see the final result. It is not advisable to have treatment too close to a special event as some patients may experience bruising.

10. Anti-wrinkle injections such as botox are normally priced per number of areas treated. Eg Forehead lines classed as one area, crow’s feet (both eyes) a second area etc. Dermal fillers are priced per syringe which vary in size. To give an accurate cost of your treatment for dermal fillers- your practitioner will need to assess in person how much filler will be required for your specific treatment, and therefore the price.

Important questions to ask your practitioner

1. Are you a healthcare professional registered with the General Medical Council, General Dental Council or Nursing and Midwifery Council?

IMPORTANT: Always, always, always visit a reputable trained aesthetic healthcare practitioner who is experienced in facial injectable treatments. Ask ‘How long have you been trained in this area and do you have a certificate of accreditation?’

IMPORTANT: It is vital that the aesthetic healthcare practitioner has been trained to administer facial injectable treatments. Great results achieved with wrinkle relaxing injections are dependent on the technique of the practitioner – training and precision are essential when carrying out such delicate procedures. Don’t be afraid to ask for proof of their experience and training in facial injectables.

2. What products are you recommending to me and why?

IMPORTANT: If you want a specific product, ask for it by name. If you don’t have a particular brand in mind, then your practitioner should always provide an explanation for the brand of treatment they intend using.

3. Can I see the original packaging so I am assured of receiving the genuine product?

IMPORTANT: You may see the original packaging of the injectable treatment you are receiving. However, if it’s not visible to you, just ask to see the packaging so you know you are receiving the authentic product you have either asked for or been advised you will be receiving. Ask for the patient information for the products as well.

4. What are the possible risks or complications with these treatments?

IMPORTANT: Your practitioner should talk you about the risks of the non-surgical treatments in detail prior to treatment.

5. What level of aftercare will I be entitled to following my treatment?

IMPORTANT: Most professional aesthetic healthcare practitioner should offer a complimentary follow-up appointment, particularly on your first treatment. This will be a good opportunity to highlight any concerns you may have.

BIO:

Dr Michel Lauzel is a French fully qualified medical doctor specialising in non-surgical aesthetic treatments (Harley Street trained). He is registered with the GMC in the UK. He runs a number of successful clinics at salons/spas in Berkshire, Bedfordshire, Dorset, Hampshire, Hertfordshire and Middlesex.

Increase in adult acne!

Over the last few years there has been an increase in acne among adults. There are many factors that can cause acne and several types of acne.

I have never suffered from acne personally but I have treated many of my clients over the years and with great success. I believe that there isn’t a one size fits all solution and that every single one of my clients has had to be treated as an individual. This is how I treat every single person that comes to me with a skincare issue.

There are 4 grades of acne

Grade I – Pimples, commedones (blackheads) and milia (whiteheads) these appear in small clusters but are not inflamed and appear and disappear on the skin. This can be treated with skincare products and a good skincare routine.

Grade II – Pimples, commedones (blackheads) and milia (whiteheads) appear in larger numbers over the face and sometimes the upper body. They will appear inflamed with redness around the areas of congestion. Papules and pustules will start to form if left untreated. This can be treated with a skincare products and a good skincare routine. Avoid squeezing the inflamed areas.

Grade III – Papules and pustules are more apparent. The skin appears more red and inflamed. Nodules (lumps) appear under the skin and if left untreated there is an increased risk of scarring. The papules and pustules can become infected at this stage and this is the main reason for the scarred tissue know as pitting. this type of acne will need treatment by a dermatologist. This may be a topical and oral medication type of treatment over a period of several months.

Grade IV – This is the most sever kind of acne. The skin is over sensitised and there are more papules, pustules, milia and commedones. The skin appears very inflamed. The acne can cover the face, neck, upper arms and torso. This type of acne is also known as cystic acne. Cysts and nodules are more apparent and there is a very high chance of scarring on the skin. This type of acne can only be treated by a dermatologist.

Many acne sufferers try to cover up their breakouts with make up but this can make the problem worse. Some of my clients have stripped there skin with alcohol based products thinking this will stop the oil. In fact it increases the sebum (oil) production.

Getting good skincare advice from a skin therapist will help. Some products containing benzyl peroxide or salicylic acids are great for reducing the sebum and exfoliating the excessive skin cells that cause acne.

Treatment Advice

Don’t pick or squeeze the pimples this can lead to scarring.

Avoid using harsh and irritating products on the skin, they cause breakouts.

Let your skin breathe. Caking it in make up isn’t going to help the acne especially if the make up contains pore clogging ingredients.

Don’t over clean your skin. By this I mean washing twice daily is enough anymore and you will over sensitise the skin and make it more irritable.

If you think you have more than Grade II acne speak with your GP who can start you on treatment or refer you to a dermatologist.

If you’d like to talk to me about your skin. You can contact me through the website.

Hands are always on display so manicures or neatly filed nails are essential

Good posture ‚ Sit up straight and walk tall.

Have a facial to brighten your complexion, the change of weather can make the skin look dull and sallow. Drink plenty of water to rehydrate the skin after spending long amounts of time in a centrally heated room, hot water with a slice of fresh lemon is very refreshing.

Try not to have the bath water too hot because it has a very drying effect on the skin. Do a full body exfoliation while you soak in the bath and then pat skin dry and use a good body moisturiser to make your skin glow.

In the winter months an everyday body tanning product can be used to give the skin a bit of colour, but you can just do the parts of you’re your body that are on show, take care to exfoliate feet, elbows and knees regularly to remove excess tan build up.

Shape your eyebrows, if you can‚’t do it yourself then get them done professionally. Eyebrows give the eyes definition.

Treat yourself to a new foundation if you’ve had the old one for a while. Skin tones change with the seasons, if your skin is flawless you can get away with just using a tinted moisturiser. Go to the make up counters and test 2/3 different colours closest to your skin tone on your jaw line, the colour that disappears into your skin is the right shade. Take a small mirror with you and always check it in daylight before you purchase it.

With winter upon us many of you will be thinking sunshine thoughts. Weddings abroad are increasing because of guaranteed sunshine. There are a few things to think about before jetting off to the sunshine though.

If you burn easily in the sun avoid stripping off as soon as you get to your destination. The last thing you want is sunburn on your wedding day! Invest in a really good suncream with a minimum SPF15. Build up your sun exposure in short bursts.

Think about strap marks! Having a lovely strapless dress with tan lines in your wedding photos isn’t the best look.

Give your face and body an all over exfoliation before you leave the UK. Skin looks better when its hydrated. There are lots of face and body products on the market.

If you opt for a fake tan before you arrive. Remember that the chlorine in the swimming pool will make it go streaky and having a fake tan doesn’t mean you have protection against the sun’s rays. Always do a test fake tan you don’t want it to go wrong!

Take care of your hair. Have it trimmed regularly and use a deep conditioning masque before going away. The sun can be so drying on hair.

Here are some Top Tips from weddingsabroad.com they are specialists in international weddings!

Weddings Abroad – Consider the following:

Dress Its best to use a wedding dress that does not have too many layers or artificial fabric if your chosen destination is hot! Choose your shoes carefully too.

Budget Always check and double check the small print to ensure all essential services are covered including legal fees and document charges you don’t want any last minute surprises for additional costs.

Guests Choose your guest list carefully. Decide who you want at your ceremony, remember these people will also be on your holiday!

Climate Check out the weather carefully for your wedding destination, especially hurricane season. Beware of getting married in the midday sun, instead opt for a later ceremony.

Glowing Beware if sunbathing prior to your wedding, you don’t want strap marks if you are wearing a strapless gown. Also don’t forget the sunscreen on your nose, the Rudolph look is not good on the wedding photos.

Written by Karen Thornton-Brown, International Wedding Planner, WeddingsAbroad.com Ltd

A while ago i asked for testers to help me test a new skincare range i was thinking about investing in. I would like to thank her for volunteering to be a tester for this blog post. I asked Denise to keep a daily diary for me and take a before and after photo and note any changes to her skin.

The diary below is in Denise’s own words and I haven’t edited it at all.

Here’s the daily diary of Denise

Before

Tuesday – pm – I have no make up on and am taking a picture of my skin ekk! The Vital C smells wonderful – all warm oranges. After washing off the cleanser face feels seems much brighter. I’ve used the hydrating repair creme and it sinks into my skin – big tick.

Wednesday am – Face feels very moisturized, I have a wrinkle starting by my nose, I am watching this week to see if the anti aging creme will have any effect. I also get really spotty if I am stressed, I am really spotting at the mo.

Thursday am – After cleaning and mosturising my face I have applied the sunscreen today. I usually wait around 15 minutes between mousturising and putting my makeup on. The sunscreen is still sitting on my face so I need to wipe it off before I can get my foundation on.

Thursday pm – Am trying the masque tonight. After cleaning my face I pop the masque on, its really really creamy and also smells yummy. It says it is exfoliating – not sure about this – will see when I rinse off.

Not exfoliating at all. But skin is very very hydrated.

Friday am – Urgh, my skin is feeling really clogged up and I can feel new bumps under my skin. I usually use a toner to get a deep clean feel and I am missing it. Stick with the program though and cleanse and moisturizse.

Friday pm – OK I am climbing the bathroom walls now and have given in to the toner. My face feels really congested so a bit of a quick swipe with my toner (sorry).

Saturday am – Put the masque on and sit and watch junk TV to make up for using the toner! My face is feeling really soft. Checking the wrinkle and there is absolutely no change. The masque washes off really easily and I opt just for the anti aging cream as both creams are too heavy for me.

Saturday pm – I have a new spot and I am getting a bit grumpy with the cleanser being more of a cold cream than a cleanser,

Sunday am – cleanse and exfoliate, not happy. Skin is definitely brighter and softer so moisture is going in but I am sooo clogged up I want to go to a sauna.

Sunday pm – had no makeup on today so a really quick cleanse and moisturise.

Monday am – I am so happy today is the last day. I am going to scrub my face the minute I get in from work.

Monday pm – my face is cleaned within an inch of its life. I have probably over done it. But I have used the hydrating repair creme after a scrub and toner and my face feels soo much better now.

After

Overall – this product is not for me. It smells wonderful and is really rich and creamy, I would use for adding moisture to my face but the cleansing process was missing actually cleaning beyond the surface of my face. The cleanser removed the makeup no problem but my face never felt clean. Adding more and more product to my face just clogged my skin up more and with the congestion I already get this was horrible. The exfoliator didn’t exfoliate – it was creamy but had no grain in it to remove anything. The sunscreen was too heavy for my skin and sat on top making my skin feel really greasy. Following the instructions of putting the sunscreen over the moisturiser was too much for my face.

I liked the repair cream that went into my face well and did make my skin softer and feel less dry.

There was absolutely no change what so ever to my wrinkle or the un-eveness of my complexion.

9 out of 10 for the hydrating repair cream as a moisturiser only.

can’t even rate the rest of the products as I didn’t like them at all.

Denise

I would like to thank Denise for her honesty and for persisting with the skincare routine even though it was tough of her!!

I have been in the beauty business for 15 years now but only set up Brides and Beauty in 2006. Its now 5 years old today and when I think what I started with its gone from strength to strength and I’ve loved every moment!

Over the years I have had some great experiences and here are some of my highlights over the last 5 years!

A wedding in Whistler

Joining the charity Look Good Feel Better

All My new friends on Twitter

Discovering 3 amazing make up brands!!

I love make up and cosmetics and if i have too much I give it away. I like to make other people happy and i’d rather it went to a good home than just sit on a shelf in my bathroom. I will be doing a giveaway on here so keep checking back for news!

Brides and beauty evolved because I wanted to offer a service using my skills and knowledge for everyone – Brides, and all women in general. Last year i started this blog and this year I launched the pamper parties and there is more news to come!

I am always open to suggestions of posts and if anyone needs tips or advice you can find out more on my website my Facebook and Twitter

Thank you all for your support. I wouldn’t have made it without you all xx